Monosaccharide and disaccharide mimics: New molecular tools for biology and medicine

Intercellular communication is governed by interactions between surface oligosaccharides and glycoproteins. The biosynthesis of these molecules involves glycosidations catalyzed by glycosyltransferases and hydrolysis of O-glycosyl linkages catalyzed by glycosidases. Monosaccharide and disaccharide mimics such as carbasugars, iminosugars and C-linked disaccharides can be glycosidase or glycosyltransferase inhibitors. They are leads as new drugs to treat infective diseases and cancer. The preparation of a conduramine, a pentahydroxyindolizidine, and two C-linked disaccharides are outlined.